The internet makes communication easier than ever before. But is it always productive communication? We've got a ton of news programs filling timeslots on CNN and Fox news, but how much is opinion/commentary and how much is actual cold hard facts? Political talk shows will bring exciting guests on to discuss hot-topic issues, but the time-slot is so limited that people compete to talk over each other. Both hosts and guests seem less interested in discussing and learning, and more interested in figuring out their next come-back. On MySpace, YouTube and any given forum on the web, it's very much the same: People spitting out assumptive statements and oversimplified answers to issues that deserve lengthy and repeated examination and discussion. Are we really interested in the truth, or have the most important issues for conversation in the world become nothing more than opportunities to feel smart? Sometimes I'll read a post or watch a video that flies in the...